Estate Planning Questions Our Clients Ask Most

From the moment you meet Brenton, you’re at ease. His calm and caring demeanor isn’t typically a trait you would associate with the not-so-loved profession of attorney…and that’s why our clients leave our office feeling confident in their decision to choose our firm! Prior to opening the law office in Orange Beach, Brenton was a partner in one of Tuscaloosa, Alabama’s oldest law firms concentrating in real estate, estate planning, probate and business needs.

Brenton has also previously served as the city attorney for a local municipality and was appointed as a Deputy Attorney General for the State of Alabama. He is admitted to practice law before all courts in the State of Alabama, as well as the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama. Brenton is originally from Huntsville, Alabama and loves reading, biking and traveling with his wife, Crawford. He and Crawford live in Orange Beach with their Boykin Spaniel, Pickles, and are so thankful that they get to live and work in paradise.

Crawford just so happens to be Brenton’s wife…it’s a family affair! She wears a lot of hats at the law firm and plays an important role behind the scenes. She also assists with signings at our Foley and Daphne offices. In addition to working at the law firm, she’s also an artist (Crawford McWilliams Art), freelance interior designer, and owns an online vintage home decor boutique (Play Pretties – Vintage Treasures). Crawford has a big heart for philanthropy and outside of work she stays busy volunteering for the Junior League of Mobile, Meals on Wheels, American Heart Association, and the Pleasure Island Junior Woman’s Club. Crawford is originally from Marion, Alabama and loves spending time with friends, cooking and traveling with her favorite travel partner, Brenton.

Brooke is a Paralegal at The Law Offices of Brenton C. McWilliams. Her depth of experience in the medical and hospitality industry, passion for helping others both personally and professionally, and positive spirit is a wonderful addition to our team. Brooke is originally from Mobile, Alabama, and loves boating, cooking, and traveling. She greets everyone she meets with a smile and is always willing to go the extra mile for our clients. In addition to helping humans, she’s also amazing with animals.

Ileana has a passion for helping those in need and serving the people around her. She helps us tremendously around the firm, and she’s always willing to go the extra mile for our team. Ileana is from Tegucigalpa, Honduras, and she enjoys watching and playing sports, cooking, and traveling.

Dee Dee has a kind demeanor and a passion for customer service. She currently lives in Huntsville but is working her way south to Baldwin County soon, and we can’t wait!

Dee Dee loves walking on the beach, perfecting her barista skills, cooking, writing poetry, and spending time with family and her rescue cat, Daisy.

Our next team member introduction is the charismatic Pickles McWilliams, our Director of Investigations and Security. Pickles takes her position very seriously and that is evident in her work at the law firm. If you’ve ever picked up a pizza from Domino’s next door then you know this first hand. Some may say that she gets a little too close with our clients, but we know she’s just going that extra mile to make them feel welcome. Pickles is originally from Mobile, Alabama, and loves cuddling, hugs, barking at delivery trucks, and nervously taking little bites out of houseplants when the dishwasher is running.

Valerie is a Paralegal at The Law Offices of Brenton C. McWilliams, bringing extensive experience in elder law, including estate administration, probate, and estate planning. Her depth of knowledge—combined with her genuine passion for helping others both personally and professionally—plays an essential role in supporting the team and ensuring a smooth, client-centered experience.
Originally from Texas, Valerie relocated to the area to be closer to family. Outside of the office, she enjoys spending time on the water boating and fishing, visiting the ocean, and cherishing moments with her ten grandbabies. An active and goal-driven individual, she has completed both a 5K and a 10K, and is now training for her next milestone: a half marathon.

With more than 30 years of legal experience, Rhenda brings a wealth of knowledge and seasoned judgment to her practice. For the past seven years, she has focused her career on estate planning, helping individuals and families secure their futures with clarity and confidence. Rhenda’s approach is both skilled and compassionate, reflecting her dedication to understanding each client’s unique goals and circumstances.

A Fairhope native, Rhenda is deeply connected to her community. Outside the office, she is a devoted wife to her husband, Theo, and a proud mother to her daughter, Stella, and her two stepsons, Zander and Aidan. She enjoys golfing, traveling, flower arranging, and attending festivals and craft shows. Rhenda also loves spending time at the beach and discovering new dining experiences at local restaurants.

Rhenda’s blend of experience, professionalism, and genuine care for families makes her a trusted advocate in the estate-planning field.

With nearly three decades of experience in general civil practice, Becky has built a reputation for providing thoughtful, reliable legal assistance to individuals and businesses alike. Throughout her career, Becky has demonstrated a genuine commitment to understanding her clients’ needs. She listens closely, values clear communication, and brings a commitment and desire to help people navigate challenging legal situations with confidence. She has a strong background in estate planning, corporate law and real estate law, providing her with a foundation to offer well-rounded guidance on a variety of legal issues.
Away from the office, Becky is an avid and active participant in Mardi Gras, and if you look closely at the floats, you may see her behind the mask at a parade or two. Becky is a Baldwin County native and lives on land which has been in her family for four generations. She is active in the Stapleton Methodist Church, having served as Church Council Chairperson, Trustees Chair and Pastor Parrish Relations Committee Chair. She has served as President of the Stapleton Volunteer Fire Department and has been involved with numerous other non-profit organizations. Becky is an avid history lover and reader as well as a lover of animals and spends her vacations wildlife watching in our national parks.

Nicole Nelson is a dedicated professional, proud mother, and active member of the South Baldwin arts community. She is the mom of two daughters, Pearl and Scarlett, who inspire her both on and off the stage. When she’s not working or rehearsing with the South Baldwin Community Theater, Nicole can almost always be found on a disc golf course, enjoying the outdoors and a bit of friendly competition.

Before transitioning to her current role at the law firm, Nicole spent more than 20 years in the hospitality industry, building a career defined by service, leadership, and connection. Today, she brings that same passion and people-first approach to her work, while continuing to pour her energy into the creative and recreational activities she loves.

At The Law Offices of Brenton C. McWilliams, Mackenzie focuses on expanding the firm’s digital presence, strengthening community engagement, and developing effective marketing initiatives that align with the firm’s mission and values.

Mackenzie holds a degree from The University of West Florida and has called Orange Beach, Alabama home for the past decade. She is excited to be part of this amazing team and looks forward to contributing her creativity, experience, and passion for meaningful communication to the firm’s continued growth.

Outside of work, Mackenzie enjoys cooking, reading, and spending quality time with her husband and three children.

Jackie Bourgeix brings a unique blend of leadership, service, and compassion to her role as Client Services Specialist at the Law Firm of Brenton C. McWilliams. As a mother of four adult children, Jackie understands firsthand the importance of protecting family, legacy, and peace of mind—values that are at the heart of thoughtful estate planning.

Jackie attended Kent State University and began her professional journey as a classically trained ballet dancer. In her early career, she choreographed international beauty shows for Graham Webb and later became the owner of a successful yoga studio in Cleveland, Ohio, which she operated for ten years. She is also the author and creator of Inflight Yoga, reflecting her lifelong commitment to wellness, innovation, and elevating the experience of others.

Her career spans more than a decade in the aviation industry, where she served with both USAirways and American Airlines as a flight attendant, auditor, and station manager’s assistant. Jackie also spearheaded safety and emergency team planning initiatives, further solidifying her strengths in organization, preparedness, and client care.
Jackie’s professional experience extends into luxury sales and executive leadership. She has provided white-glove service in private jet sales, recruited top talent for Fortune 500 companies, and most recently managed recruiting teams while serving on senior leadership teams as an executive.
Driven by a deep belief in elevating the future of others, Jackie now brings her extensive background in service, leadership, and relationship-building to estate planning. She is committed to guiding clients with clarity and compassion as they protect their families and preserve their legacy. Jackie believes estate planning is the ultimate act of love—one that provides security, dignity, and peace of mind for the people who matter most.

Amber Harris brings more than 20 years of experience in sales, customer relations, and leadership to her role as Client Services Specialist. Her background includes corporate leadership in the energy services industry as well as over a decade as an independent consultant specializing in talent development and executive coaching.

Amber holds a bachelor’s degree in international business and has held the Associate Certified Coach (ACC) credential through the International Coach Federation. She is known for her calm, approachable style and her commitment to helping clients feel informed and supported throughout their experience.

Originally from Dallas, Texas, Amber now proudly calls Alabama home. When not working, she spends time volunteering in the community and currently serves on the board of her local Rotary club. Amber enjoys spending time outdoors, especially hiking, boating, and being at the beach. She also loves traveling, dancing, reading, and home organization and design. But her favorite activity of all is spending time with her five-year-old Morkie, Dak.

With over 13 years of experience, Heather serves as a Receptionist, Legal Assistant, and Marketing support professional, playing a key role in ensuring the firm operates efficiently and clients feel welcomed from their first interaction. Known for her friendly demeanor and strong organizational skills, she excels at managing multiple tasks while maintaining attention to detail in a fast-paced legal environment.

Heather is committed to providing exceptional support to attorneys and staff while helping clients feel informed and comfortable throughout their experience with the firm. Her blend of professionalism, reliability, and positive communication makes her an integral part of the team.

Outside of work, Heather enjoys spending time with her husband and children, cheering them on at their many activities, and unwinding with a good book.

Rachel comes to The Law Offices of Brenton C. McWilliams from the collegiate and professional athletics world, bringing over 15 years of experience in football operations. Originally from Texas, she has lived in 6 states during her time in football recruiting and operations. She hopes to use those experiences to provide an exciting smile and warm welcome to everyone who walks through the doors.  

When not at work, you can find her with her little family, Jordan, and her pup Merra. Jordan coaches the linebackers at Gulf Shores High School, and Merra can be found napping on the couch or by the beach whenever possible. Rachel looks forward to cheering you on in the office, and you can also catch her supporting the GS Dolphins on Friday nights. The whole family is excited to be a part of The Law Offices of Brenton C. McWilliams.

Bryn Thomson is a dedicated administrative professional with 17 years of experience in school systems, supporting students, families, and leadership in fast-paced environments. Known for her strong organization, communication, and people skills, she brings a positive, outgoing personality and a high level of professionalism to every role. Brynda is excited to apply her office expertise and customer-focused approach in her current position as a receptionist with Brenton C. McWilliams Law Office, where she looks forward to contributing to a welcoming and efficient client experience.

Originally from Utah, Bryn relocated to Fairhope, Alabama three years ago. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, cooking, hosting gatherings, and spending time with her two grown children and husband of 27 years.

My name is Emily. I’ve spent the last decade working in the medical field, and recently made the switch into the legal world this year. It’s been a big change, but one I’m really excited about. I’ve brought a lot of my experience with people, organization, and service into this new chapter, and I’m loving the fresh challenges.
When I’m not at work, I’m a devoted wife and mom. My husband, Ryan, and I have three kids—my stepkids, Forrest and Virginia, and our youngest, Sailor. They keep life fun, busy, and full of love.
In my free time, I enjoy crafting, crocheting, and photography. I love creating things with my hands and capturing memories whenever I can.

Beth Cross serves as the Intake Coordinator at The Law Offices of Brenton C. McWilliams, bringing nearly three decades of experience in the legal field. She began her career in 1995 as a legal assistant and has developed a deep understanding of client service, case evaluation, and the importance of clear communication at the earliest stages of representation.

Beth’s key areas of focus include client intake and screening, initial case assessment, and providing compassionate, knowledgeable support to prospective and current clients. Her extensive legal background allows her to identify critical details quickly while ensuring clients feel heard, informed, and confident in the firm’s process.

Originally from Southwest Louisiana, Beth has lived in several parts of the country, including Atlanta, Georgia, and Austin, Texas, before settling on the Gulf Coast. She is married to a general contractor and is the proud parent of a recent college graduate. Outside of work, Beth is an avid sports fan, with a particular passion for indoor and beach volleyball.

From the moment you meet Brenton, you’re at ease. His calm and caring demeanor isn’t typically a trait you would associate with the not-so-loved profession of attorney…and that’s why our clients leave our office feeling confident in their decision to choose our firm! Prior to opening the law office in Orange Beach, Brenton was a partner in one of Tuscaloosa, Alabama’s oldest law firms concentrating in real estate, estate planning, probate and business needs.

Brenton has also previously served as the city attorney for a local municipality and was appointed as a Deputy Attorney General for the State of Alabama. He is admitted to practice law before all courts in the State of Alabama, as well as the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama. Brenton is originally from Huntsville, Alabama and loves reading, biking and traveling with his wife, Crawford. He and Crawford live in Orange Beach with their Boykin Spaniel, Pickles, and are so thankful that they get to live and work in paradise.

Crawford just so happens to be Brenton’s wife…it’s a family affair! She wears a lot of hats at the law firm and plays an important role behind the scenes. She also assists with signings at our Foley and Daphne offices. In addition to working at the law firm, she’s also an artist (Crawford McWilliams Art), freelance interior designer, and owns an online vintage home decor boutique (Play Pretties – Vintage Treasures). Crawford has a big heart for philanthropy and outside of work she stays busy volunteering for the Junior League of Mobile, Meals on Wheels, American Heart Association, and the Pleasure Island Junior Woman’s Club. Crawford is originally from Marion, Alabama and loves spending time with friends, cooking and traveling with her favorite travel partner, Brenton.

Brooke is a Paralegal at The Law Offices of Brenton C. McWilliams. Her depth of experience in the medical and hospitality industry, passion for helping others both personally and professionally, and positive spirit is a wonderful addition to our team. Brooke is originally from Mobile, Alabama, and loves boating, cooking, and traveling. She greets everyone she meets with a smile and is always willing to go the extra mile for our clients. In addition to helping humans, she’s also amazing with animals.

Ileana has a passion for helping those in need and serving the people around her. She helps us tremendously around the firm, and she’s always willing to go the extra mile for our team. Ileana is from Tegucigalpa, Honduras, and she enjoys watching and playing sports, cooking, and traveling.

Dee Dee has a kind demeanor and a passion for customer service. She currently lives in Huntsville but is working her way south to Baldwin County soon, and we can’t wait!

Dee Dee loves walking on the beach, perfecting her barista skills, cooking, writing poetry, and spending time with family and her rescue cat, Daisy.

Our next team member introduction is the charismatic Pickles McWilliams, our Director of Investigations and Security. Pickles takes her position very seriously and that is evident in her work at the law firm. If you’ve ever picked up a pizza from Domino’s next door then you know this first hand. Some may say that she gets a little too close with our clients, but we know she’s just going that extra mile to make them feel welcome. Pickles is originally from Mobile, Alabama, and loves cuddling, hugs, barking at delivery trucks, and nervously taking little bites out of houseplants when the dishwasher is running.

Valerie is a Paralegal at The Law Offices of Brenton C. McWilliams, bringing extensive experience in elder law, including estate administration, probate, and estate planning. Her depth of knowledge—combined with her genuine passion for helping others both personally and professionally—plays an essential role in supporting the team and ensuring a smooth, client-centered experience.
Originally from Texas, Valerie relocated to the area to be closer to family. Outside of the office, she enjoys spending time on the water boating and fishing, visiting the ocean, and cherishing moments with her ten grandbabies. An active and goal-driven individual, she has completed both a 5K and a 10K, and is now training for her next milestone: a half marathon.

With more than 30 years of legal experience, Rhenda brings a wealth of knowledge and seasoned judgment to her practice. For the past seven years, she has focused her career on estate planning, helping individuals and families secure their futures with clarity and confidence. Rhenda’s approach is both skilled and compassionate, reflecting her dedication to understanding each client’s unique goals and circumstances.

A Fairhope native, Rhenda is deeply connected to her community. Outside the office, she is a devoted wife to her husband, Theo, and a proud mother to her daughter, Stella, and her two stepsons, Zander and Aidan. She enjoys golfing, traveling, flower arranging, and attending festivals and craft shows. Rhenda also loves spending time at the beach and discovering new dining experiences at local restaurants.

Rhenda’s blend of experience, professionalism, and genuine care for families makes her a trusted advocate in the estate-planning field.

With nearly three decades of experience in general civil practice, Becky has built a reputation for providing thoughtful, reliable legal assistance to individuals and businesses alike. Throughout her career, Becky has demonstrated a genuine commitment to understanding her clients’ needs. She listens closely, values clear communication, and brings a commitment and desire to help people navigate challenging legal situations with confidence. She has a strong background in estate planning, corporate law and real estate law, providing her with a foundation to offer well-rounded guidance on a variety of legal issues.
Away from the office, Becky is an avid and active participant in Mardi Gras, and if you look closely at the floats, you may see her behind the mask at a parade or two. Becky is a Baldwin County native and lives on land which has been in her family for four generations. She is active in the Stapleton Methodist Church, having served as Church Council Chairperson, Trustees Chair and Pastor Parrish Relations Committee Chair. She has served as President of the Stapleton Volunteer Fire Department and has been involved with numerous other non-profit organizations. Becky is an avid history lover and reader as well as a lover of animals and spends her vacations wildlife watching in our national parks.

Nicole Nelson is a dedicated professional, proud mother, and active member of the South Baldwin arts community. She is the mom of two daughters, Pearl and Scarlett, who inspire her both on and off the stage. When she’s not working or rehearsing with the South Baldwin Community Theater, Nicole can almost always be found on a disc golf course, enjoying the outdoors and a bit of friendly competition.

Before transitioning to her current role at the law firm, Nicole spent more than 20 years in the hospitality industry, building a career defined by service, leadership, and connection. Today, she brings that same passion and people-first approach to her work, while continuing to pour her energy into the creative and recreational activities she loves.

At The Law Offices of Brenton C. McWilliams, Mackenzie focuses on expanding the firm’s digital presence, strengthening community engagement, and developing effective marketing initiatives that align with the firm’s mission and values.

Mackenzie holds a degree from The University of West Florida and has called Orange Beach, Alabama home for the past decade. She is excited to be part of this amazing team and looks forward to contributing her creativity, experience, and passion for meaningful communication to the firm’s continued growth.

Outside of work, Mackenzie enjoys cooking, reading, and spending quality time with her husband and three children.

Jackie Bourgeix brings a unique blend of leadership, service, and compassion to her role as Client Services Specialist at the Law Firm of Brenton C. McWilliams. As a mother of four adult children, Jackie understands firsthand the importance of protecting family, legacy, and peace of mind—values that are at the heart of thoughtful estate planning.

Jackie attended Kent State University and began her professional journey as a classically trained ballet dancer. In her early career, she choreographed international beauty shows for Graham Webb and later became the owner of a successful yoga studio in Cleveland, Ohio, which she operated for ten years. She is also the author and creator of Inflight Yoga, reflecting her lifelong commitment to wellness, innovation, and elevating the experience of others.

Her career spans more than a decade in the aviation industry, where she served with both USAirways and American Airlines as a flight attendant, auditor, and station manager’s assistant. Jackie also spearheaded safety and emergency team planning initiatives, further solidifying her strengths in organization, preparedness, and client care.
Jackie’s professional experience extends into luxury sales and executive leadership. She has provided white-glove service in private jet sales, recruited top talent for Fortune 500 companies, and most recently managed recruiting teams while serving on senior leadership teams as an executive.
Driven by a deep belief in elevating the future of others, Jackie now brings her extensive background in service, leadership, and relationship-building to estate planning. She is committed to guiding clients with clarity and compassion as they protect their families and preserve their legacy. Jackie believes estate planning is the ultimate act of love—one that provides security, dignity, and peace of mind for the people who matter most.

Amber Harris brings more than 20 years of experience in sales, customer relations, and leadership to her role as Client Services Specialist. Her background includes corporate leadership in the energy services industry as well as over a decade as an independent consultant specializing in talent development and executive coaching.

Amber holds a bachelor’s degree in international business and has held the Associate Certified Coach (ACC) credential through the International Coach Federation. She is known for her calm, approachable style and her commitment to helping clients feel informed and supported throughout their experience.

Originally from Dallas, Texas, Amber now proudly calls Alabama home. When not working, she spends time volunteering in the community and currently serves on the board of her local Rotary club. Amber enjoys spending time outdoors, especially hiking, boating, and being at the beach. She also loves traveling, dancing, reading, and home organization and design. But her favorite activity of all is spending time with her five-year-old Morkie, Dak.

With over 13 years of experience, Heather serves as a Receptionist, Legal Assistant, and Marketing support professional, playing a key role in ensuring the firm operates efficiently and clients feel welcomed from their first interaction. Known for her friendly demeanor and strong organizational skills, she excels at managing multiple tasks while maintaining attention to detail in a fast-paced legal environment.

Heather is committed to providing exceptional support to attorneys and staff while helping clients feel informed and comfortable throughout their experience with the firm. Her blend of professionalism, reliability, and positive communication makes her an integral part of the team.

Outside of work, Heather enjoys spending time with her husband and children, cheering them on at their many activities, and unwinding with a good book.

Rachel comes to The Law Offices of Brenton C. McWilliams from the collegiate and professional athletics world, bringing over 15 years of experience in football operations. Originally from Texas, she has lived in 6 states during her time in football recruiting and operations. She hopes to use those experiences to provide an exciting smile and warm welcome to everyone who walks through the doors.  

When not at work, you can find her with her little family, Jordan, and her pup Merra. Jordan coaches the linebackers at Gulf Shores High School, and Merra can be found napping on the couch or by the beach whenever possible. Rachel looks forward to cheering you on in the office, and you can also catch her supporting the GS Dolphins on Friday nights. The whole family is excited to be a part of The Law Offices of Brenton C. McWilliams.

Bryn Thomson is a dedicated administrative professional with 17 years of experience in school systems, supporting students, families, and leadership in fast-paced environments. Known for her strong organization, communication, and people skills, she brings a positive, outgoing personality and a high level of professionalism to every role. Brynda is excited to apply her office expertise and customer-focused approach in her current position as a receptionist with Brenton C. McWilliams Law Office, where she looks forward to contributing to a welcoming and efficient client experience.

Originally from Utah, Bryn relocated to Fairhope, Alabama three years ago. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, cooking, hosting gatherings, and spending time with her two grown children and husband of 27 years.

My name is Emily. I’ve spent the last decade working in the medical field, and recently made the switch into the legal world this year. It’s been a big change, but one I’m really excited about. I’ve brought a lot of my experience with people, organization, and service into this new chapter, and I’m loving the fresh challenges.
When I’m not at work, I’m a devoted wife and mom. My husband, Ryan, and I have three kids—my stepkids, Forrest and Virginia, and our youngest, Sailor. They keep life fun, busy, and full of love.
In my free time, I enjoy crafting, crocheting, and photography. I love creating things with my hands and capturing memories whenever I can.

Beth Cross serves as the Intake Coordinator at The Law Offices of Brenton C. McWilliams, bringing nearly three decades of experience in the legal field. She began her career in 1995 as a legal assistant and has developed a deep understanding of client service, case evaluation, and the importance of clear communication at the earliest stages of representation.

Beth’s key areas of focus include client intake and screening, initial case assessment, and providing compassionate, knowledgeable support to prospective and current clients. Her extensive legal background allows her to identify critical details quickly while ensuring clients feel heard, informed, and confident in the firm’s process.

Originally from Southwest Louisiana, Beth has lived in several parts of the country, including Atlanta, Georgia, and Austin, Texas, before settling on the Gulf Coast. She is married to a general contractor and is the proud parent of a recent college graduate. Outside of work, Beth is an avid sports fan, with a particular passion for indoor and beach volleyball.